Doing things differently often leads to outsized results and so we connected with some of the most inspiring leaders and trailblazers we know and asked them to go into detail about what they do differently relative to others in their industry.

Alexandre Hooson

Our brand sets a new standard for collaboration in the industry. Our team seamlessly integrates the full spectrum of design and construction services for residential new builds and renovations, prioritizing efficiency, cost control, and quality at every step. Through BuilderTrend, we provide our clients with unparalleled transparency, allowing real-time access to every decision, invoice, adjustment, and progress update. Many clients have shared that, unlike their previous experiences with design-build contractors, they felt fully informed and confident throughout the process—trusting us to deliver on our promises with openness and integrity. Read more>>

Damian Byington

[I’m not sure if I’m supposed to provide context, so I will just in case and you can decide if you need it.] I’m a working Director/Cinematographer in the Film Industry. I’ve been at it for about a decade now, and I’ve had my hands in a lot of different pots. (I believe this is a really important part of the process early on if you end up sticking with a creative career like this long-term.) This work is seemingly very random, and I’ll tell you a few highlights to give you an idea of what I mean – I’ve shot over 18 short films and a feature film, I’ve been a grip on a couple of local union feature films, I’m a member of a specialty unit that does arm car work (car commercials), high speed tabletop work (liquids and products for large brands), and general commercial work on location, I shot a documentary for Build a Bear Workshop with Mike Tyson, I’ve been around the country shooting events and commercials for the Japanese Government/Kobe Beef, and I’ve directed over 1000 interviews already in my career.  Read more>>

Cennite France

One of the key aspects that sets us apart from the industry standard in the commercial janitorial sector is our commitment to innovation, specifically through the integration of AI technology and robotics into our operations. As a veteran-owned business, we understand the importance of adapting to changing landscapes, and the janitorial industry has long been characterized by narrow profit margins and traditional methods. Recognizing the need to differentiate ourselves, we have strategically partnered with a leading robotics company to begin incorporating AI-driven cleaning robots into our workflows. This integration is not about replacing our workforce; rather, it’s about enhancing our operational capacity. By automating routine tasks, our human employees can focus on larger, more complex projects that yield higher profit margins. This dual approach not only improves efficiency but also allows us to offer a more comprehensive service to our clients. Read more>>

Nagham Alsamari

Imkan Leadership Development was founded on a simple, powerful belief: leadership is practiced, not just talked about, and it is made, not born. This belief sets us apart because it underpins everything we do—from our approach to client engagement to the outcomes we help our clients achieve. While many firms in the industry focus on leadership theory, Imkan is dedicated to fostering the real-world skills and mindsets that leaders need to thrive, inspire, and drive lasting impact. One way we diverge from industry norms is by focusing deeply on resilience as the cornerstone of effective leadership. Rather than offering standardized solutions, we begin each client partnership with the DISC assessment, a tool that allows us to truly understand the personalities, communication styles, and unique dynamics within their teams. But we don’t stop there. This foundation helps us customize every development plan, creating solutions that reflect each client’s values, culture, and specific needs. At Imkan, DISC is more than a box to check—it’s a way to unlock the authentic potential of every leader we work with. Read more>>

Aimee Tuck

Pre-existing pregnancy and baby subscription boxes can be wonderful gifts for new and expecting moms, but as perinatal and infant mental health therapists, we wanted to bring something unique to this space. When Jen and I founded Bloom and Rise, our goal was to design a subscription box that went beyond the traditional offerings, taking a therapeutic approach to support both mom and baby. Bloom and Rise is curated to provide not only practical, adorable, and high-quality items sourced from women-owned businesses, but also products that thoughtfully nurture a baby’s social, emotional, and motor development. Each box is packed with tools to encourage bonding, play, and self-care, helping to foster meaningful interactions between mom and baby. In addition, we include custom-made resources we’ve developed as therapists, specifically designed to support moms facing various challenges, from everyday stress to deeper emotional struggles. Bloom and Rise is more than just a subscription box—it’s a comprehensive toolkit for new mothers on their journey. Read more>>

Mauri Carver

As a pet treat business, I believe every pet should have a healthy treat option. One that is tasty, has healthy benefits and is good for dogs. Thanks to my quality control department, also known as the Snack Pack, I am able to try out new recipes and have immediate feed back. I make it a priority to spend one on one time with my customers and listen to what their needs are. One of the biggest things I have learned is that all dogs have their own taste pallet, and many have underlying allergies or food sensitivities. And, Believe it or not, not all dogs like peanut butter! I think this sets us a part from most pet treat businesses’. Read more>>

Erin Fitzgerald

In my experience, the corporate side of the skincare industry often lacked the personal care and attention that clients truly deserved. I always found myself wanting to give more, to go beyond just a routine facial. I wanted each client to feel unique and valued, but within the corporate setting, I was restricted by policies that prioritized volume and quick turnaround over real, meaningful connection. It felt like clients were being rushed through a revolving door, with minimal focus on their individual needs and wellness journey. That was when I knew I needed a change. I wanted to create a space where I could combine results-driven skincare with a deeply nurturing, spiritual approach to healing. For me, a facial is more than just a skincare treatment; it’s an opportunity to create a sacred moment of relaxation and rejuvenation. I incorporate intentional, holistic techniques, blending the science of medical-grade skincare with a touch that brings tranquility to both the mind and body. Read more>>

Jon Gordon

The fiat healthcare system has become a centralized behemoth, filled with rent-seeking middlemen and profiting off of individual’s chronic conditions. As different participants in the healthcare industry have grown larger over time, including hospitals and health systems, health insurers, big pharma, electronic medical record and billing companies, and the government, our overall healthcare spend has grown while health outcomes get worse. Bitcoin and nostr are open source protocols that offer decentralized alternatives to the current healthcare industry standard, enabling peer-to-peer interactions and exchanges of communication, data and value. In my consulting business, Satoshi Health Advisors, I am helping healthcare providers and companies integrate a bitcoin strategy. This includes bitcoin education, implementing bitcoin payments and treasury solutions, as well as go to market strategy. I focus on helping independent providers, including direct primary care physicians for example, that already have a direct care model outside of the perverse incentives of the insurance system. Read more>>

Jill Adams

One of the core reasons I created Pink Moon was to overcome the barriers moms face when it comes to prioritizing their own health and wellbeing and finding support. Typical gyms and boutique fitness studios are not structured so that busy moms can conveniently access them. Those women that do carve out the time often face guilt, and must coordinate numerous logistics and sacrifice their other needs in order to do so. This is because moms are forced to divide their limited time between paid work, serving as their family’s CEO, COO, and CMO, caring for children, fitness, connection with friends, and mental health (much less other forms of self-care). Unfortunately, this generally leads to moms putting their own needs last. Recent research shows that moms spend 98 hours per week on household and parenting related tasks — the equivalent of 2.5 full-time jobs. Additionally, 64% of moms feel isolated and lonely, 62% report that they have less than an hour to themselves in each day, and 60% of new moms feel a lost sense of self.  Read more>>

Price Latimer

Alkemis Paint is fundamentally different than traditional latex/acrylic paints. We are the world’s first wellness paint—bringing nature and design together to create healthier, more intentional interior spaces. As one of the only Cradle to Cradle Certified® paints in North America, Alkemis is ethically produced to help customers breathe easier and live more harmoniously. Alkemis is an all-natural, non-toxic, mineral-based formula made from crushed-up rocks, crystals and earthen pigments—making the product safe for all living beings. Read more>>

Lisa Meddin

Most landscape designers are creative solopreneurs who would rather spend time designing and interacting with clients than focusing on the business side of things. In 2017, after fourteen years as a landscape designer, I realized I couldn’t “do it all” anymore. Between client meetings, design work, marketing, social media, and managing the business, I was fast approaching burnout. I had also reached my capacity for how many designs I could produce annually, which limited my income as a designer. It became clear that I’d hit a plateau and needed a new approach. With that in mind, I began researching how to grow the business while reducing my personal workload. I started working with a business coach who specializes in system creation, business automation, and building processes that allow for redundancy. Read more>>

Alex Segall

What I value most in this work is the human experience. I prioritize long, meaningful client discussions. My goal is to not only understand what my clients want captured during their big day, but what is their chemistry as a couple? How do they want that to come through? How do they want to honor and celebrate with their guests? How can I help make things more “fun” and less uncomfortable? I take that information and work to create a beautiful story. Capturing moments that will be looked back on with a huge smile. I also feel that my previous background in planning and floral design gives me unique insight into the planning process. My promise is to ensure transparency with your other vendors and a fabulous photo experience to match! Read more>>

Melissa Pettignano

There are many things that I do and my brand does that differs from the industry standard. I want to give the audience some background to how I got to making a mark my own respected way. With the grace of God and many others with me. As a little girl I have always known what I have been destined to do. I always wanted to get into the industry in my respected fields traditional way. Through my faith, hard work, determination, transparency, loyalty, respect, love, etc. At some point I too wanted to own my own company. Both a book publishing / record label. I started out singing in Church, family events, other events, etc. I went to public school up until 10th grade. The last two years of my High School education I was homeschooled.  Read more>>

Elliot Matson

I started Folklord because I wanted to make trail running apparel that didn’t look like trail running apparel. Obviously, athleisure wear has become an industry in and of itself, but I was never happy with the fit or look of the clothing I tried for running. Mainly, because I didn’t want to look like I was ever running or working out in the first place! So, I coined the term “Leisletic”—the opposite of athleisure—and Folklord was born. I’m trying to do something unexpected in an industry full of neutrals, gradients and uninspiring patterns. All the artwork in my prints I illustrate myself and every one of them has a story or folklore behind it. So when you wear Folklord, you are adding to the story: you’re becoming that legend. I think it’s important for people to feel that way and feel confident to get out and run regardless of skill level, and often times that confidence is exuded through our clothing. So why not have fun with it? Be a little weird; be a little out there. Be a Folklord. Read more>>

Nicole Ayub

I have been in the wealth management industry for a long time, and I see how it caters to people with accumulated assets. I have also seen people’s relationship with their money firsthand. I started my brand to give support and resources to the people I see overlooked by the finance industry: those who have debt, live paycheck to paycheck, and don’t know how to get started. I look at money from a different perspective. I look at money from a mental and emotional standpoint. I look at the emotions, thought processes, and psychology behind what drives the behaviors. Our emotions drive our behaviors, yet the finance industry misses that aspect. My brand is breaking the stigma that talking about money is taboo. I give people a safe space to talk about money and think about it from a different perspective. Ultimately, I want people to have a healthy relationship with their money, which goes beyond looking at numbers. I understand people and money, and even more importantly, I know how people relate to their money. More money will not take away scarcity or fix your spending habits, so I like to get to the root of people’s relationship with money. Money is one of the most important relationships in your life and something we cannot live without in our society, yet most people do not give their money the time and attention it needs. My brand creates awareness of how important this relationship is and how to have a healthy relationship with your money. Read more>>